Czech Railways (České dráhy) has received its 50th modern electric unit of the RegioPanter 640.2 series from the Škoda Group. The unit numbered 640.256 will be deployed in Zlínský kraj soon. The so-called ‘long’ RegioPanter units are already in service in the Olomoucký, Moravskoslezský, Středočeský, and Královéhradecký regions.
Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and General Director of Czech Railways, emphasizes the significance of this delivery: “The handover of the fiftieth three-car RegioPanter unit of the second generation symbolizes the substantial progress we have made in improving the quality of our regional vehicle fleet in recent years. The new RegioPanters are already operational in the aforementioned regions, and now Zlínský kraj will also benefit.”
The RegioPanter units are modern, barrier-free trains equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and the ability to charge electronic devices via 230 V 50 Hz AC sockets and USB ports. The latest version also includes options for charging electric wheelchairs and e-bikes. The trains offer ample space to accommodate wheelchairs, pushchairs, bicycles, and other bulky luggage. Additionally, the RegioPanter trains are outfitted with state-of-the-art safety and communication technology, including the European Train Control System (ETCS) and GSM-R.
Tomáš Ignačák, Deputy Chairman of the Škoda Group Board of Directors, explains, “The delivery of the 50th three-car RegioPanter unit to Czech Railways is a significant milestone for us, particularly as this unit will be the first in Zlínský kraj. The RegioPanter is a Czech-made train that meets all expectations of an international train in terms of comfort and technology. The fact that nearly 400 electric RegioPanter units have already been ordered and manufactured demonstrates that passengers and transport companies value their reliability and comfort.”
In total, the 50 three-car RegioPanter units of the 640.2 series will replace 150 older passenger coaches and 50 locomotives, as they are railcars. Together, these new units would create a train measuring 3,970 meters in length, roughly the distance between the stops Praha-Holešovice and Praha-Podbaba or between the main station in Hradec Králové and the Hradec Králové-Slezské Předměstí station. The delivered RegioPanter trains offer a total of around 11,600 seats in modern, air-conditioned, and low-floor interiors.
Czech Railways has ordered a total of 60 three-car units of the 640.2 RegioPanter series from the Škoda Group. Most of these trains are in service in Olomoucký kraj, where 27 modern units have been operational since this summer. Further units will be delivered to Prague and Středočeský kraj, where they will operate in the colors of Prague Integrated Transport and feature a larger first class. The RegioPanters are also in service in the Královéhradecký and Moravskoslezský regions.
In addition to the 60 units of the 640.2 series, the national transport operator has also ordered 50 two-car electric units of the 650.2 series, which will be utilized on selected routes in the Karlovarský, Plzeňský, Jihočeský, Moravskoslezský, and Středočeský regions, as well as in Vysočina.
In total, the delivery of all two-car and three-car RegioPanters comprises 280 units, which provide space for almost 21,000 passengers and ensure a high level of travel comfort.
